If mosquitoes become unmanageable in or around your home, you can benefit from the help of a pest control professional. But for anyone spending time outside during the warmer months of the year, a little personal pest control may be needed to keep the bugs in check. Here are a few tips to help you with this process.

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

1. Stay Inside

Mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, but they tend to be most active at dusk and dawn. When possible, stay inside during these hours, especially if the insects seem to favor you. If you need to be out at dusk or dawn, wear heavier fabrics and long sleeves to make it harder for the bugs to access your skin.

2. Use a Repellent

Lavender, peppermint, and citronella can deter mosquitoes, so lighting a candle in one of these scents may be helpful. You can also use a chemical repellent—they’re formulated with diethyltoluamide, which is an ingredient that deters insects. Synthesized plant oils, like lemon eucalyptus, can also be effective at repelling the pests. Always test these products on a small area of skin to ensure they don’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

3. Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to standing water—they lay their eggs in water, and newborns will spend their first 10 days of life in it. Remove all standing water from your property, including puddles and remnants in an unused planter box. If you have a pond in the backyard, populate it with mosquito-eating fish, like minnows, koi, or guppies.

If the mosquito problem becomes more than these home remedies can address, contact the team at Acme Pest Control in Concord, NC. These professionals will inspect your property to discover the root of the cause, then address the area with an effective treatment. Get more information about their services online, or call (704) 786-4166 to request a free estimate.